Estrogen is one of the key sex hormones in both men and women. It plays an important role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Some key facts about estrogen:
- Estrogen is produced primarily by the ovaries in women. Smaller amounts are also produced by other tissues like fat and muscle.
- It is responsible for the development of female sex characteristics during puberty, including breast growth, widening of the hips, and the start of menstruation.
- Estrogen plays an essential role in the menstrual cycle. It causes the uterine lining to thicken during the first half of the cycle to prepare for a potential pregnancy.
- It is also involved in maintaining bone strength, regulating cholesterol levels, and influencing body fat distribution in women.
- Normal estrogen levels start declining as women approach menopause, leading to irregular periods and eventually permanent cessation of menstruation. This drop in estrogen causes menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
There are three major forms of estrogen in women:
- Estradiol - The predominant and most active form
- Estrone - Less active form produced after menopause
- Estriol - Weak form produced during pregnancy
Estrogen levels and the ratio between different forms change throughout a woman's life during key stages like
puberty,
menstrual cycles,
pregnancy and
menopause. Getting your hormone levels tested can provide helpful insights.
For hormone testing or hormone therapy needs, consider contacting the professionals at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic. Their experienced physicians and endocrinologists can assess your symptoms, order necessary tests, analyze your hormone profile and suggest personalized treatment plans including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Some signs that can indicate abnormal or excess estrogen levels in women:
- Heavy, prolonged, or painful periods
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Weight gain and fluid retention
- Severe PMS symptoms
- Fatigue and low mood
- Reduced sex drive
Hormone imbalances involving estrogen often require proper medical diagnosis and management. Consult an
endocrinologist or
OBGYN specialist if you suspect hormonal issues. Certain medications, supplements and lifestyle changes may help alleviate low or high estrogen symptoms.
In summary, estrogen is an integral hormone for female health and reproduction. Getting tested can determine if estrogen imbalance is causing distressing symptoms. Specialized care from endocrine doctors and hormone clinics like The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic can guide science-based treatment plans for restoring optimal hormonal balance.